Weekends are always a readjustment for me and the kids. My husband commutes into the city and frequently does not get home until 9:00. Dinner during the week is just me and the three kids.
Over the years, we have developed a rhythm and rituals as to how our weekday family meals go.
Of course, it’s my job to do most of the serving and cleaning, and I’ll often say, “Mommy is not…” and the kids will finish the sentence with “a genie, or a fairy, she is just a mommy.”
I’m very attuned to my kids, and their behaviors at the family table. Perhaps because it’s just the four of us, I’m more relaxed than my parents were with my sisters and me while I was growing up.
Growing up my family ate only in the dinning room. My sisters and I set the table with china and the good silverware. Manners and decorum were very important.
If you were to laugh and spit milk up through your nose because your sister made you laugh too hard, you were exiled to the kitchen for at least as long as you needed to pull it together.
I spent my fair share of dinners banished. Of the three of us, I was always the easiest to crack up.
Dinners could be stressful when I was a kid, but I’ve always tried to keep it light with my children.
I also know what it feel like to be plagued with motor skill problems, and I have tried to teach my kids in a slightly more relaxed fashion.
Forks are required of course, but if Peter happens to be struggling with getting his pasta around his fork and goes to use his hands, I will laugh and then say “humans eat with…” and he will laugh and say, “forks.” No point in ostracizing a six-year-old for a utensil violation.
Each child has their tolerance for certain foods. For some unknown reason, Peter, will just out of the blue decide that he no longer has any appetite for something he until that exact minute salivated over.
Out of self preservation and a choice to pick my battles, I no longer ask questions. I have a little sympathy too because I can be the same way. Peter is also a wonderful eater who would rather eat vegetables and fruit than ice cream. So if every now and then, he wants to eat cereal or bread for dinner, I’m OK with it.
He is very particular. If he says he wants bread, he means the white bread, not the white bread with seeds or a kaiser roll. He means the bread, in the green package. He does not want butter, and he likes it if you cut it up in four pieces.
I have learned this from years of on-the-job training.
On the other end of the spectrum we have Tom, our 13-year-old. Tom will eat no vegetable unless it is in sushi. Again, I no longer question.
I will still offer the vegetables that Lizzy and Peter fight over, but I know that Tom will only eat the protein I’m serving that night.
Lizzy, our beautiful 10-year-old, is pretty easy in that she will eat just about anything I make. Though, she does want to wear her fairy wings to dinner. I’m okay with that, but I draw the line at the costumes. She can wear a tiara and a flower crown if she must.
Lately I have to watch her pretty carefully so she doesn’t steal vegetables off Peter’s plate.
Once everyone is settled and we have eaten our main meal, we eat our little desert and then dinner is over, and it’s on to the getting ready for bed portion of our program.
It’s a comfortable, familiar routine that I have come to really love. It can be hectic, and I sometimes want to pull out whatever hair I have left on my head, but I do cherish our dinner time.
But it all changes when the weekend rolls around and daddy is now at the table and in the mix.
For the longest time, we use to go out to eat on the weekends or at least take food out. But we were getting tired of spending so much money just to eat. Plus, as Lizzy’s special needs have become more complex again, it’s easier to eat at home. I also like that it’s a bit healthier for us as well.
Since Joe still wants me to have a break during the weekends he takes charge of the meals on the weekends.
Things are a little different when daddy runs the show.
Take this Saturday. Joe made the pizza and he added a few new cheeses to the mix. The troops handled this politely enough, but Peter decided this would be one of the nights he would have bread for dinner.
“Mommy, bread please.”
“OK Peter, I will get you bread,” says Joe, trying to give me the break he knows I desperately need.
Joe goes to the fridge and starts cutting up a hard roll. The same kind of roll that Peter likes to eat in the morning.
Total rookie mistake. Just because Peter likes rolls at breakfast does not mean that he will eat that at dinner.
I look over at Joe cutting up the roll and wonder how to handle this. I don’t want to hurt my husband’s feelings, but I know my kids.
“Daddy, I want bread. Plain white bread for dinner. Not a roll. A roll is for breakfast.”
Joe starts laughing and gives me a look like “Is this kid for real?”
“Peter, it’s okay the world will not stop spinning if you eat a roll for dinner instead of breakfast” I add. I find sometimes I need to remind him of this fact.
“Oh yes it will Peter. The world will totally stop spinning if you eat a roll for dinner,” chimes my wonderfully helpful Tom. He has been relishing his role as big brother lately, and if he can inflict a small amount of torture, he won’t let the opportunity go by.
Now of course Peter is convinced the world will stop and starts to cry.
“Honey the world will not stop. You can eat a roll.”
I shoot Tom my death ray eyes.
“Peter, it’s OK. I’ll get you a slice of bread.” Joe is a softy, I probably would not have caved, but then again, I would have known the difference.
“Bread please,” chimes in Lizzy. Lately she eats everything, and I have to make sure she doesn’t eat too much and get sick.
One of the many problems of having a child who has such difficulty with communication is I don’t know why she is eating so much. Is she really hungry? Bored? Not feeling well and thinks eating will calm her stomach down?
I don’t know? I don’t even know if she knows.
Since Lizzy has only picked at her dinner, I nod to Joe that the slice of bread is probably safe.
Now, we finally sit down together to eat. Peter starts singing a song from the Beach Boys.
He then gets up from the table to go in my room to check on the TV music channel.
“Peter. Come back,” says Joe with his “Mean Daddy” voice and scares him.
Peter cries and comes over to me.
“Mommy I need a hug.”
“It’s OK Peter. Daddy didn’t know you want to check out the year of the song. Next time just tell Daddy that’s what you are doing.”
Joe and Peter make up. Peace is restored.
“I like the Beach Boys. I like Elvis too.” Peter says matter of factly.
“And you like Buddy Holly, right Peter?” says Joe, trying to get into the conversation.
“No, I only like Elvis and the Beach Boys today.”
“But Peter, you love Buddy Holly, you were just singing a Buddy Holly song 10 minutes ago,” Joe continues. Clearly not getting just how fickle Peter is.
“No daddy, I don’t like Buddy Holly anymore.”
“Peter, you still like the Beatles today though, don’t you,” says Tom, totally enjoying the complete influence he has over his little brother.
“Yes Tom. I like the Beatles, Elvis, and the Beach Boys.”
Joe gives me a look that says, I-know-you-say-this-is-how-it-is-each-night-but-I-really-thought-you-were-making-it-up.
Lately it is these little rituals that have been keeping me going.
The familiar patterns, the particular ways of each child and the unique rhythm is very comforting to me.
Especially now.
Lizzy’ issues are so in our faces right now.
Physically she is getting illness on top of illness. The school year began with a nasty case of whooping cough. It’s still giving her trouble and is only being exacerbated by a string of sinus and ear infections. We even had a case of conjunctivitis thrown in for good measure.
The problem with having an undiagnosed condition that affects all aspects of her development is that no doctor can ever really completely help us. We just go symptom by symptom putting out whatever fire is up.
And, of course the manic behaviours are back. The mania that turns my very sweet loving child into an aggressive, nonsense speaking child who will even at times say she is not Lizzy.
It is a hard thing to admit, but I don’t know how to deal with it anymore.
I’m thankful that we have the doctors we have. I’m thankful for the insurance we have that makes going to top specialists possible. I’m thankful that when Lizzy’s doctor suggests we may have to start thinking about an in-treatment facility in the event that we have to completely change her medications, I have family around that would make it possible for us to do that.
But I’m scared. I’m tired. I’m overwhelmed.
I’m keeping the family together with laughter and kisses but I’m a human. And, I’m getting mad that this is happening to us.
And that this is happening to her. A sweet, little girl who just wants to wear her fairy wings, go to school and play with her brothers.
But life has to go on. Dinners need to be made, children need to be fed, floors need to be cleaned.
I’m grateful for the silly behaviour at the table. I’m grateful for the laughter.
I’m grateful that for a small amount of time each night, we get to be a family just eating dinner.
one mom's attempt to find humor in the chaos
Much thanks to Joseph Radigan, who besides being a great husband and father, also uses his talents to gently and ever so tactfully edit my blog. Joe is a business editor at Thomson Reuters in NY.
As I read this, I thought of how the routines of our days have sustained me over the past week and a half. I knew I felt better when we were all together; now, I realize it’s in part because of the routine, the comfort, the ease.
I admit, I felt a little bad for your husband. While I know doing dinner on your own is hard, it’s a little sad that your husband misses out on the “chaos.”
Saying a prayer for you and sweet Lizzy!
Melissa I feel bad for Joe too! There is something so sweet about the chaos and I know he misses out on it! Though a day or two of peace wouldn’t be so bad!! Lol! Thanks for the prayers! Love you!!
Thanks for sharing a little of the chaos you experience in your house. Praying for you and your family.
Thanks so much for visiting! Luckily I like chaos!! Lol! Thanks so much for your prayers!
Okay, I love this dinner thing…especially with daddy’s help, but Lizzie? I’m like crying over here. I need to add her to our intentions at church and remember her when I say the Rosary. God, I wish I had some answers for you.
I love you
Sharon
The dinner thing is a hoot! It’s good to remember and write about it because the Lizzy thing is so hard to understand. Thanks so much for the prayers, we’ll take all the prayers we can get!! Love you too!
Thinking and praying for you with everything that is going on! I am trying to make it a point to have family dinners at the dinner table. My husband is terrible at sitting down to dinner and I think it is because he didn’t do it as a kid. My Dad is a Dr. and always worked very long hours my entire life…even at sixty he works constantly, but any time he was home we sat down as a family. When he wasn’t there it was whoever was home at that point in time, but my Mom made sure that we all sat down and talked about our days. I hope to instill that in my children…even though my two year old currently does not want to sit next to the one year old, because she is a food stealer!
Those food stealers can be tricky!! When my kids were that little dinner was more combat practice, it didn’t get social till they were a bit older!! Lol!! But you are right it is nice to have. Thanks so much for visiting and thanks for your prayers! They are much appreciated!
What. A great post… your kids are beyond cute, and so lucky to have you and joe
Thanks so much!! They are cute, at times! Lol!! xo
Kathy,
I love this post, really love it. I love the way you can make me understand just how it is at dinnertime. My husband travels a lot for work, and the kids and I also have our routines. And, as much as I wish my husband was there to share some of the work, I also treasure the time with the kids. We have our own way of doing things that completely changes when dad is home.
I wish I had the answers for you with Lizzy. I wish I lived next door so I could relieve some of your burden. I wish I could do something to help. I will pray for you and Lizzy and the family.
Thanks so much Christina!! It is fun with the kids and it is funny how things change when daddy is home! Thanks for your love, concern and friendship! I wish you lived next door too!! Love to you!!
It sure does sound like things get hectic for you. I hope that you can get some answers for your daughter soon. I can’t even imagine how difficult that must be.
On a side note… we try to eat dinner together every chance we get. Never stressful and their aren’t a lot of rules except no phone, no iPod, etc. while we’re eating. We usually end up laughing together or talking about weird, off the wall stuff. I hate cooking but eating dinner with the family is fun!
I love the laughter at the table too! We have a no iPod, phone, etc, policy too. Thanks for the visit!
Kathy please keep me posted! I am so happy that you have such a wonderful and positive spirit. Thinking of you!
Thank you!! xoxo
I hope your daughter feels better soon!!
Thanks so much!
Great post, Kathy. My husband works nights, so often we don’t all eat dinner together. It’s just the way it is. We do try to have breakfast together every morning…whatever works. I do think the most important part of it all is having stability, a routine, even if it changes once in awhile. I give up on the food issues-I stopped buying in bulk after I ended up with loads of a food they suddenly decided they didn’t like anymore!
Jennifer it’s so funny my husband would stock up on whatever I liked long before we had kids and he could never understand when I would just one day stop eating something, so he just laughs when Peter does the same thing!! I never buy in bulk, too risky!! xo
My hubby travels a lot too. WHeneever he came home, the boy would be very excited. It’s good to write down what happen. 🙂
You are so right, it’s nice to have a written record. I’m sorry I didn’t do this sooner! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Such a sweet and touching post. I can see your family at the table. And I LOVE the fickleness- it’s hysterical. I was laughing over here. You are one strong broad and every time I read your posts, I see just how human, maternal and brave you are. You must know that you have a huge community to lean on and that is priceless. xoxxo
Thanks my friend! They do keep me on my toes and they do make me laugh! Thank God!!! Thank you for the very kind words!! xoxo
Kathy, I know I’ve said this before and I’ll probably keep saying this….You’re an amazing person and mother. This post just makes me want to rush to you and give you a tight hug. Of course you’re getting overwhelmed. And of course you’re getting tired. But your sense of humor, gratitude and ability to keep focusing on what truly counts is beyond admirable. And here I was worrying myself to death over my son’s temperature of 101.
Joy reading your comment made me cry a bit! Thanks so much!! And don’t be silly 101 is enough to scare any mom. I hate when any of my kids are sick, it can be so scary!! Thanks again!! Much love to you!!
Family meals are great for making memories, and it looks like your children will certainly have some wonderful ones!
As will I!! They really do crack me up!! Tonight Peter was having so much fun annoying me with the stupid whistle he won at school. I was laughing so hard because he was having such fun bugging me, I finally said, that’s it I’m selling you, and he just cracked up, which of course cracked me up!! The memories really are priceless!
Isn’t family time wonderful? I love the days when we get to sit and at without my husband having to fun off to school.
They really are wonderful!! It’s those times where you really are reminded why you wanted to have a family with your husband! Thanks so much for stopping by!!
I just love your posts! 🙂 It is so funny, your Peter. 🙂 He sounds similar to my Jeremiah. He’s picky yet not. One day it’s this and then the next it’s not. A roll for breakfast and BREAD for dinner. haha Cute 🙂 My husband understands a little bit, as he is home more, but I have had many moments of “Jeremiah doesn’t like this right now, he’s more into this or this” 🙂 They make life so much more interesting, don’t they? 🙂
Yes Sarah they do make life more interesting!! Your son Jeremiah does sound a lot like my Peter! Thanks so much for dropping by!
Hi I am following you from the blog frog hop at the Sits group. I am subscribing to your blog and can relate to this post. I have 3 children and one cause a lot of chaos in the house. I am so busy taking care of everyone that I ignore myself and have decided to take care of myself this year. I wish you the best.
I have made that decision myself! It can get overwhelming taking care of everyone else and so easy to forget about us! Thanks so much for stopping by and following!
I love the habits and routines I create with Braeden but when Daddy is home we do our best. I too know what he wants when he wants it and what words mean what. That Peate is please but Daddy just thinks it is peate. It’s funny that on a bad day I look forward to the next think I know for sure and the next part of the routine. My prayers are with you and your family and with Lizzy. I have faith it will end up how it is supposed to and your support system will not waver in its strength and support for all of you.
Thanks so much Tara, I’ve missed you! I love the peats instead of please and all the other little things they do! It’s true the routines can really help us get through the more difficult days! Thanks for your prayers! Much love!
My daughter is only 4 months old, but I swear she already knows how to work each different routine with mommy and daddy. For example, while taking a bottle with me, she stares intently at me and squeezes my finger…for daddy, she can’t sit still or focus on anything!
Lesile little girls know how to get daddy very quickly, I think Lizzy had Joe wrapped around her finger on her first day on this earth!! I love how when they are babies they already know who is for comfort and who is for fun!! Enjoy! Thanks so much for visiting!
Rituals are great to have! My kids depend on them greatly. It is funny when you notice them make their own out of habits you don’t notice. Dads that work outside of the home can miss a lot of these aspects of the day us moms deal with.
Tara you are right. It can be so easy for me to sometimes fall into the trap thinking I have it harder since I’m home with the troops and my husband is at the office. But, he really misses out on some of the best times that I take for granted. Thanks for reminding me of that!! xo
This evening, my 2 year old was breaking corn chips as small as she could and was using the bits to scoop up single grains of rice.
I love it!! It just gets better from here! Although two can be a challenge at the table they are so much fun to have around! Thanks so much for stopping by!
kathy, i’ve got to say, i LOVE your dinner routine. you keep it real and i think that’s awesome. it made me smile when you mentioned you were the easiest to crack up when you were younger! i too, am an easy laugher! 🙂
you always keep such a great attitude and sense of humor! i think that’s key!!
i love that you don’t take the little things too seriously. your children are so lucky!! <3
wishing you a wonderful rest of the week!
xoxox
maria
Maria, I think laughing has been the number 1 reason I have not gone crazy! And, personally, I don’t think you can take too much too seriously with the everyday routine, there are so many things that can be serious with children, you have to have a little wiggle room and fun! But that’s just me! Thanks so much for your kind words! I just adore you!! xo
I think your dinner times sound wonderful – I think it’s great that Lizzie gets to wear her fairy wings… we often have a princess who dines with us, and lately, my 2yo son likes to pretend he is a dragon and takes very big, loud “dragon bites” out of everything… but I don’t mind:)
And I can sort of relate to how you feel while sitting and “resting” while your husband is in charge… I used to teach a class of Yr 8 Special Needs students, and on the rare occasion that I was away sick, I’d lay at home worrying that whoever was taking them that day would have a difficult time as they didn’t know all their little behavioural intricacies – it’s tricky for everyone:)
Thanks so much for sharing your stories – I always love reading them,
Kristina
Kristin I love the dragon eating, that’s the stuff that I just love too! Thanks for what you said about your teaching days, it’s nice to know it’s not just me! Thanks for dropping by! I love your site as well!
It is so true that each child has their own particularities when it comes to eating. My 6 yr. old is getting much better but we’ve struggled with getting her to gain weight. Our 3 yr. old is a carb eater- she loves bread. And our youngest (2 yr. old) is the exact opposite of the 3 yr. old, she loves meat and doesn’t eat much bread.
Having a family dinner routine is definitely important and each family’s is different. Glad you have an enjoyable meal time, and letting daddy take over (even though they don’t do things the same as we do) is an important break for you. 🙂
Susie it’s so great to hear from you, it’s so funny but I was just thinking of you!! I don’t remember my sisters and I being so varied with our food preferences but my parents were stricter, not mean, but stricter than I am, so maybe we didn’t let our true colors out.
I do love the routines, they really do build a foundation, and your right, each family is different and every families routine may be different but I think it is these routines that matter the most to kids in the long run. I still laugh when I think about my exile to the kitchen and the reasons I was sent there!! So great to hear from you! xoxo
I want to give you a huge hug! It sounds like you’re realling going through it and I just want to send you some love. You’re amazing and incredible and your outlook and attitude towards your family is inspirational!!!!
Thanks so much friend!!! xo
Kathy, I was just reading that families who have dinner together have happier children who turn into happy adults. I know that I still cherish all of the family dinner night memories we have, and now the girls as adults love to talk about memories of them too.
I think there really is something to it too! I sometimes feel bad that Joe does not eat with us during the week, my dad was always home to eat dinner with us. But, I think no matter how you can do a family dinner, it’s the idea of sitting together and the ritual. Thanks so much for dropping by!! xo
Wow! I am thankful for your family dinners for you too. Rituals are wonderful for everyone! I love dinner time with my kids, our conversations and games and special moments. But the best part is the reminder that we can hold on to the normalcy of our sometimes chaotic and keep it simple when its so not simple! I’m sorry for the struggles you are wading through. Sending positive thoughts and wishes your way…
Thanks for the positive thoughts and wishes, I’ll take them!! As I was writing this I realized how important the daily rituals are to keep some semblance of normalcy. Plus, the kids really do crack me up!! Lol!! Thanks so much for dropping by!!
Kathy, I was just going to say the same thing as Mommy LaDy Club. I’ve also read the same thing. Keep up the family dinner rituals. They’re good for helping everyone feel normal, loved, and cherished.
Blessings my friend,
~Rosann
Thank you my dear friend!! Much love!
Such a beautiful post, Kathy. Sorry to hear you’re at a loss about Lizzy. This all must be so frustrating and scary for all of you. It’s wonderful that you can find comfort in your little moments at the dinner table, where dinner may not be perfect, but everyone around the table is perfect just the way they are.
Melissa thanks so much for dropping by and the lovely words! I love what you said about not everything being perfect but everyone being perfect just the way they are, I will remember that one!!! Thank you!!
That was a very nice post, Kathy. It’s as if I had joined you at the dinner table. I love how understanding you are towards you entire family. And about Lizzy, will be praying for her (and your entire family as well). Cyber hugs!
Love,
Anne
Anne, thanks for the cyber hugs and prayers, I will gladly take them!! Thanks so much for dropping by!! xo
You know, we were just discussing recently how kids are raised differently now than they used to be. Our expectations are far different than our parents were…and I’m not sure if it’s because we are smarter parents, or if we are going to regret it later…..I hope NOT! I just can’t see reinforcing the same rules my parents did that nearly pushed me over the edge. Good luck with Lizzy! Parenting comes with so many crazy challenges. xo
Alison you bring up such a good point, I have wondered sometime where the balance is. I hope that I have kept the good of my childhood and then improved on it a bit. I know my mother’s parents were much stricter at her house, I don’t think meal times were much fun. We did have a good time but things were stricter. I must say my parents are very different grandparents than they were parents!!! Mr. and Mrs. Softie!!! Lol!! Thanks so much for dropping by!!
Love your posts. With my daughter, its baby carrots (taken out of the bag) at the dinner table every night. At least it’s a vegetable (last I checked). Of course, I am now counting ketchup as a vegetable. Will keep praying for Lizzie.
I will always love Reagan for the ketchup as vegetable!!! I’m impressed she eats baby carrots I don’t think Tom has had a carrot since he was a baby. I keep thinking he is going to wake up one day and just fall in love with vegetables and fruits, till then I have a good vitamin!! Thanks for the prayers!!!
It took about a week for me to get down here to comment MrsPopular.com lol!
And I don’t even have anything too witty to say but that my sister was the one in my family who was the manner police. Actually, even though I don’t like using the term “Nazi,” I feel it is necessary here; my sister was the manner Nazi and if we ever were rude at the dinner table she would sound the alarm. It was rather annoying, but now I have superb table manners lol. I guess that’s a plus!?
Yes it is!! Nate I do fear that we are more suited to a zoo at times, but we do work on manners sometimes. I will say to my oldest, we have to work on this, this will never work at the White House if you go to dinner there one day. He is the same age as the President’s daughters, you never know! This past Easter we went out to dinner at a much more formal restaurant then we usually go to. For about two weeks leading up to it Tom would say to his brother and sister, we need to work on our manners, we are going to a fancy restaurant, this will never do. And they did beautifully. Thanks so much for dropping by! I love reading your stuff, you always make me laugh!!
Sweet post. We also eat dinner as a family. My son is incredibly picky. And he doesn’t talk much when I ask him what he did that day. He’s like, “Not much,” and when I ask him to elaborate he’s all, “Not much, like I said.” Ugh.
Amber my one saving grace is that my Tom is a chatter box like me but most of my friends kids do what you are describing and I know my niece and nephew do it to my sister!! Since Lizzy has such a hard time with communication I think the fates felt sorry for me and gave me one kid like me!! Lol!! Thanks so much for dropping by!
Kathy: Being a full time housewife is hectic as I am one myself. I can thoroughly understand your pain and frustration at times since I have a son who does stuff like Lizzy. To put it short, My pediatrician suggested a behavioral test and hinted at ADHD. I read about it here and there. I don’t give meds but I have changed his diet big time after my own investigation on the topic. I stay away from foods with additives, preservatives and most importantly, foods with added color especially Red 40. I try giving him natural nutritious stuff to help keep him active, energetic etc and always allow him to play/do something physical to release all that pent up energy. I have seen improvement in his behavior but it is still challenging especially when he wants his ways….But some people suggest it could be an age thing and they will grow out of it. My humble suggestion is, not to force anything, just let them grow out of it on their own…
Thanks so much for visiting. I’m glad things are starting to work out for you son. It can get difficult! Thanks again!
haha i would hate to be between you and your death ray stare
I can be pretty scary!!! Lol!! Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Oh, Kathy, I can only imagine how trying this is for you. That things seem to be revving up can’t be helping. I am glad to hear that you have supportive family on whom you can rely. I am also happy to hear that you enjoy these dinner-time rituals, even if they can get a little hectic at times. I only hope you continue to come together as a family to support one another through this experience and that you continue to enjoy filling Daddy in on the dinnertime events he misses out on during the week!
Thanks so much Laura! Sending you much love!
Oh, wow! Maybe my village isn’t so different after all! This sounds way too much like our house.. where my husband commutes into the city, and is never home in time for dinner, and when he is, it is a lot like this. It’s never good to upset the rituals in the Aspie houses. The ripples have the potential to last for days.
Thanks for your blog. I’ll be back for more visits.
-Catherine
Thanks so much for dropping by!! It’s always nice to know that I’m not alone either!! I’m happily following your great site as well!! Great to meet you!
Your family is what reality TV shows are made of. I meant that as a compliment :). There’s never a dull moment at the homefront, but I do understand that you do get stressed out at times- more often than you’d want, I reckon. I admire you for your strength and sanity in the midst of all that. At the end of the day, your family does make you smile and makes all your hardships worth it 🙂
Lol!!! Thanks so much for dropping by and the sweet comments!
I missed you and your stories! I would love to eat dinner at your house!!! Though I’m still working at loving dinner at our house. My husband isn’t there often either. And I’m a “You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit.” kind of mom. Which means my picky eater Evie usually starves. Though last night I made her eat two bites of dinner then let her have an orange. And then! My husband came home at bedtime and fed them all toast and yogurt! They love their Daddy. 🙂
Prayers for you and your family as you go through this Kathy. Sounds like your silly dinners are just perfect. Isn’t it funny how we know our kids’ nuances? Have a good weekend, Kathy